MS fundraiser Saturday at Anthony’s on the Blvd

October 31, 2013

A multiple sclerosis fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday afternoon in Cape Coral.

The event, which will benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Anthony's on the Blvd. It will feature a buffet luncheon, entertainment, vendors and raffles.

Cape resident Elizabeth Henderson organized the fundraiser with help from family and friends.

"I have multiple sclerosis and have had multiple sclerosis now for 40 years," she said. "I was just sitting one day and decided there's not enough fundraising done, enough research done."

She pointed out that cancer and other diseases get a lot of the public attention.

"Multiple sclerosis seems to get left behind," Henderson said.

"It's a very debilitating disease," she added.

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, an estimated 400,000 Americans have multiple sclerosis. Most are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, and about two-thirds are women.

Henderson hopes to raise research funds and educate the public through Saturday's event.

"The purpose is to make people aware of multiple sclerosis. So many people don't know what the disease is," she said. "If they want to learn anything, they can speak to me. I'll be there."

Tickets cost $10 and include lunch and a beverage, which Anthony's is providing.

They can be purchased at the door, or in advance by contacting Henderson at (239) 699-1032.

Fifty percent of the ticket sales will go to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

As of Thursday, Henderson had sold more than 70 tickets.

"We have raised almost $1,000," she said, noting that the total also includes monetary donations.

Henderson would like to raise at least $2,000 for the cause.

During the event, entertainment will be provided by Retro with Rick Keele and Linda C.

"It's '50s and '60s music," Henderson said. "They are the sole act."

Vendors and crafters will have booths set up.

"All the vendors are donating anywhere from 10 (percent) to 20 percent of their sales," she said.

Some of the items will include purses and bags, chocolate, jewelry and graphic arts cards.

"There's another lady that's coming with a variety of things," Henderson said.

The vendors have also donated items to be raffled off Saturday.

"There's a piece of artwork that's signed - a watercolor by a North Fort Myers artist," she said.

Other raffle items include an embroidered tote bag, a purse, jewelry, chocolates, a graphic art piece and even a gift certificate to a local gun shooting range and two T-shirts.

The raffle tickets will cost $1 for one, $5 for six, $10 for 13 and $20 for 30.

Asked about next year, Henderson said she wants to see the event become an annual thing.

"I would like this to grow," she said, adding that she would love to see additional fundraisers like a motorcycle run or a walkathon for multiple sclerosis. "I just want people to really get behind it."